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Public Hearing Monday set for Monday, prior to Audubon School Board regular meeting

News

May 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon Community School District will hold a Public Hearing Monday evening, prior to the start of the regular, monthly Board of Education meeting. The hearing at 7-p.m. in the Audubon High School Board Room, is with regard to a Proposed 2022-23 Budget Amendment, and Expenditures from the Flexibility (“Flex”) Fund. Superintendent Eric Trager told KJAN the $300,000 amendment is for Support Services, but will be offset through re-coded revenue from ESSER (Pandemic relief) Funds. Trager says a budget amendment is common, and will not result in an increase in taxes.

Later on in their meeting, the Board will act on approving the Budget Amendments, as proposed, and expenditures from the District Flex Fund for Science Curriculum, in the amount of $21,548.48 from the PD Flex account.

In other Board action, they will act on:

  • Reimbursing the Activity Fund from the General Fund – re: Safety Equipment.
  • Approving:
    • 2023-24 Student Fees
    • An increase in Substitute Pay
    • Changes to a Para-Educator Agreement
    • The naming of Greenhouse Surplus and, accepting an offer to buy
    • and, the Board will act on approving certain Change Orders.

And, Superintendent Eric Trager will report to the Board on matters pertaining to a Legislative Update, Building & Grounds, and Board Appreciation. His regular monthly report will be followed by reports from District Principals.

Road closure on U.S. 34 at U.S. 169 and Union County Road H-17 in Lorimor begins on Thursday, June 1

News

May 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

CRESTON, Iowa – May 12, 2023 – If you’re planning to drive on U.S. 169 from U.S. 34 in Lorimor, there’s an upcoming road closure that could slow down your trip. The Iowa Dept. of Transportation’s Creston Construction Office reports, beginning on Thursday, June 1, until Friday, Aug. 25, weather permitting, construction crews will work on removing the current bridge on U.S. 169 and replace it with a pipe and concrete paving. While the roadway is closed to traffic, motorists will follow a marked detour route using U.S. 34, and Union County roads P-53 and H-17.

Help keep everyone on the road safer. Drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, you should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

City of Atlantic Parks & Rec Board to meet Monday evening

News

May 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – [Updated 5/12/23 to change location of the meeting] The City of Atlantic’s Parks and Recreation Department Board of Directors will hold their regular monthly meeting Monday evening (May 15, 2023), in the Parks & Rec Office at 1200 Sunnyside Lane. The meeting begins at 5:15. In his report to the Board, Parks & Rec Director Wyatt Adderton is expected to discuss:

  • The Sunnyside Pool Project update (waterslide, mural and pool building paintings, the latter two of which were completed by artist Jenna Brownlee, last week – see photo below). During the last Board meeting, Adderton reported the target date for the pool opening, is Memorial Day.
  • An update with regard to the status of Lifeguards for the Sunnyside Pool. (An application link to become a lifeguard can be found on the Parks and Rec Facebook page)
  • Wyatt will also report on the Mollett Park raised garden beds,
  • and tree donations from Vermeer and Rolling Hills Bank and Trust.

The next regular Board meeting will be held June 19th at 5:30-p.m., also at the Atlantic City Hall.

Sunnyside Pool pumphouse mural by Jenna Brownlee.

Audubon County Sheriff’s report, 5/12/23

News

May 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest on April 23rd, of 45-year-old James Fulk, from Hamlin. Fulk was arrested for Driving While Barred. He posted bond and was released. Fulk appeared before the magistrate on a later date. The Sheriff’s Office said also:
  • 52-year-old Ronald Becker, of Exira, was arrested April 30th, on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Parole. He also was charged with Interference with Official Acts. Becker was seen by the magistrate and held without bond for the warrant.
  • 51-year-old Daniel Laws, of Brayton, was arrested May 2nd in Audubon County, on an assault charge. Laws was seen by the magistrate and held until he posted bond later the next day.
  • 37-year-old Blaine Stratton, of Omaha, was arrested May 6th, for Driving While Suspended. He posted bond and was released. Stratton will appear before the magistrate at a later date.
  • And, 28-year-old Bill Stockwell, of Elk Horn, was arrested May 11th in Audubon County, on an outstanding Failure To Appear, and a warrant for a Driving While Barred complaint. Stockwell was being held on a $10,000 bond and will appear before the magistrate.

Storms to severe storms possible this afternoon & Saturday

News, Weather

May 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) -The National Weather Service, in their Hazardous Weather Outlook, says scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop over western Iowa late this afternoon and spread into parts of central Iowa through the evening hours. A few strong to severe storms are possible with large hail and damaging winds. A low tornado threat does exist.

Another chance for thunderstorms arrives on Saturday. A few strong or even severe storms could occur once again. Sunday and Monday will be cooler with highs in the 60s to low 70s before warmer temperatures return for Tuesday through Thursday. A few showers or isolated storms may linger on Sunday then mostly dry conditions will follow.

Spotters may be needed at times late today through Saturday.

Heartbeat Today 5-12-2023

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

May 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Cass Health Chief Operating Officer Amanda Bireline about National Nurses Week.

Play

Creston Police report: 2 arrests

News

May 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report an Adair County man was arrested early this (Friday) morning. 34-year-old Michael D. Crigger, of Greenfield, was arrested at 302 N. Pine Street in Creston, and charged with Operating While Under the Influence/1st Offense. Crigger was taken to Union County Jail and posted a $1,000 bond before being released.

Thursday morning, 37-year-old Tyler Dean Gage, of Kent, was arrested at Cromwell Road and Highway 34. Gage was charged with Harassment 3rd Degree and Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury. He was taken to Union County Jail and later posted a $2,000 bond before being released.

Local 24-Hour Rainfall Totals Reported at 7:00 am on Friday, May 12, 2023

Ag/Outdoor, Weather

May 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

  • KJAN, Atlantic  .22″
  • 7 miles NNE of Atlantic  .18″
  • Atlantic Airport  .2″
  • Massena  .51″
  • Exira  .5″
  • Elk Horn  .17″
  • Anita  .75″
  • Corning  .22″
  • Manning  .34″
  • Guthrie Center  .45″
  • Oakland  .07″
  • Audubon  .43″

IA State Auditor Sand announces $11.5-million for schools to purchase “clean” or Zero-Emission buses

News

May 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Grimes, Iowa) – State Auditor Rob Sand reports 15 Iowa school districts have been awarded a combined $11.5-million in funding from the Clean School Bus Program to replace 32 existing school buses with “clean” or zero-emission buses. In this area, the districts include the:

  • Audubon Community School District
  • Coon Rapids-Bayard School District
  • IKM-Manning School District
  • Logan-Magnolia, and the
  • Sidney Community School Districts

The program was established by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides $5 billion over the next five years to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emissions models that cost less to operate. Auditor Sand says “The Clean School Bus Program saves Iowa school districts millions of dollars. It also shows that when lawmakers from both parties work together, they are more likely to create real solutions that put our kids and our communities on the right path.”

Auditor Rob Sand tours Sea Electric in Grimes

This is the first round of funding from the Clean School Bus Program. Auditor Sand is encouraging Iowa school districts to apply for the second round of funding which will provide an estimated $400 million in competitive grants for clean and zero-emissions school buses. School district officials interested in learning more about the program may email questions to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 11:59 pm (ET).

Auditor Sand announced the 2022 awardees during a tour of Sea Electric in Grimes. Sea Electric is a global automotive technology company leading the way in the development of electric drive systems for commercial vehicles including school buses. The tour showcased a school bus that will soon be retrofitted with electric vehicle technology.

Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program Receives Funding Boost, Duration Extension

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, this week, announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has received an additional $2.9 million for utilization in the Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program (ILFPA). The statewide program launched in June of 2022 to facilitate the purchase and distribution of Iowa grown and produced food for use by underserved communities.

The program, which also received an extension through May of 2025, is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) via the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. Iowa originally received approximately $2.7 million, and the extension adds an additional $2.9 million, bringing the total to over $5.6 million in program funding. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has an operating agreement with Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development (Iowa Valley RC&D), which will continue to lead project management and ensure successful program implementation.

“Given the rising consumer interest in local foods, I love that we can build connections between Iowa farmers and Iowa consumers while also strengthening supply chains,” said Secretary Naig. “The Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program establishes the foundation for longer term partnerships that will create new markets for farmers, increase access to nutritious food and help our community members who are food insecure.”

During the first phase of the program, $684,456 in food value was paid to farmers and producers in the state, including nearly $393,193 to socially disadvantaged farmers.

ILFPA is expected to benefit at least 300 Iowa farmers. With a reach of 2,000 food distribution sites through partnerships with 16 distributors, including food hubs, food banks, and the Meskwaki Nation, the decentralized emphasis allows local specialists to meet the community’s needs through the implementation plans they design for their area.

To learn more about the program or how to participate, visit www.iowalfpa.org or https://iowaagriculture.gov/ILFPA.